Ask HN: Docker in WSL vs. Docker on MacBook M1?

Just like in Windows and WSL2, Docker support in MacOS relies on a virtual machine running somewhere there. It probably works fine for most things since Apple Silicon has been out for more than a year already and there's plenty of demand for this. The whole experience is 2nd rate on both of these platforms compared to how it would be on Linux.

Docker on M1 is a pain in the ass if you have to focus on x86 instead of ARM. Non arm docker builds take much much longer to the point that my 2016 Mac is faster than my M1. But if you live in arm land it's fine. Unfortunately, that's not me so I spend most of my time Ssh'd into an x86 Linux machine.

I'm the first to say Linux isn't an option, but why aren't you using Linux if your core work involves it? Just bite the bullet and be happier and more productive.

WSL is not up to snuff, frankly. Nor is MacOS.

For Docker specifically, neither is worth the hassle IMO. Spend the extra money for an off-lease small form factor business PC, which are dirt cheap these days, run Linux and Docker on it and SSH into it as needed. The power cost is negligible, you aren't hobbled by trying to run both Docker and your normal apps on an anemic laptop CPU with limited RAM, and there are no oddball compatibility issues to have to deal with.

The only real problem with WSL2 is networking. WSL2 for plain vm platform its more than usable for everything even desktop. I wish microsoft would make a dedicated gui like hyper-v/vmware to modify network/port/firewall settings.

Running virtualbox/vmware would be a better bet if you want to develop the same setup (docker host) you would use in lab/production and develop on your workstation. (gold copies, clone, terraform, whatever way you provision)

But if I really wanted a dedicated homelab for linux operating systems. I'd run vmware esxi (or even kvm) would be my choice. And you the free version of esxi is more than enough to get things done.

M1 is more for arm vm's, thou you could run parallels, it be slower, but you most likely dont need speed for docker, but you have to buy an M1 with more ram.

Myself, I've finally just ended up with vmware workstation on my win10 overkill workstation, and keep wsl for my quick tasks. I actually like win11, but I won't upgrade yet, android (asl) works fine. My M1 mac mini is a great general workstation, runs dual monitors, runs arm arch in a vm, easily the nicest cheap workstation out.